Month: February 2010

Still not feeling great in this preseason. The bottom has just fallen out of my fitness. I struggled up Old Tunnel and Grizzly Peak. The views of SF were outstanding. Crystal clear with patches of blue sky peeking out from heavy cloud cover. Near the top of Grizzly Peak we cycled into heavy fog and it started raining. It wasn’t heavy rain. It was what they call garoa in Brazil— very light rain, but it was enough to make the descent down through Tilden Park downright miserable. At the bottom of Wildcat Canyon I couldn’t feel my face.
A few riders, Kyle and Kevin, headed north on the actual route, but the rest of the small remaining group headed south through Orinda. I planned to take BART back, but decided I needed miles so I pushed and returned via Pinehurst, my first ascent of the year. It felt pretty good, but I didn’t push it hard. I was helped immensely by the cool weather. I blasted home down Shepherd Canyon, Montclair, Piedmont and Rockride. Felt great to be done and even better not to have to given up and settled for taking the train home.Miles 42.23Ride Time 3:15:19MPH 13.0Max Speed 41.5Elevation Gain 3,682 ftFlats 0
More detailed ride stats here:

I just signed up for centuries on back-to-back days in the first weekend of May. I’ve got a few months to get in shape for the Wine Country Century and the Grizzly Peak Century.
It’ll be my first go at the Wine Country Century. I wanted to do it last year, but couldn’t fathom 100 mile rides on consecutive days. Not sure If I can no either, but I don’t feel up to the Sunday ride, I can always sell my registration since the ride sells out and there will be no shortage of people wanting in.
I did the GPC last year and it rained cats and dogs for most of the ride. It’s was downright miserable. 10000+ feet of climbing in the rain with perilous descents on wet roads that we impossible to enjoy. I’ve got my fingers crossed for better weather this year.